Jun 9, 2017
|Last updated on October 28th, 2020 at 11:45 am
Oscar Niemeyer was one of the most important architects in Brazil contributing to the country’s modern and progressive architecture. Although he created numerous houses exuding a lush modern flair, nothing could beat his work in Brasilia. The layout of Brasilia, Brazil’s capital city, may have been drawn out by Niemeyer’s mentor Lucio Costa, but Niemeyer himself designed all of the amazing architecture. It’s once underdeveloped city center became a modern masterpiece and a symbol of Brasilia as a whole.
Oscar Niemeyer City Tour in Rio de Janeiro
1. Popular Theater
The first stop is the Oscar Niemeyer Popular Theater in the city of Niterói. Approach the theater and note the green walls and yellow facades showing the vibrant colors of the Brazilian flag. The theater’s design is of joy and vitality. Continue inside, and see the theater which seats 460 guests.
Additionally, the plaza opens and can allow for up to 10 thousand guests. This vast space allows for large masses to celebrate Brazilian music and entertainment. The design and colors of the theater make it seem like a sculpture in and of itself.
2. Roberto Silveira Memorial
Next on this Oscar Niemeyer tour is the Roberto Silveira Memorial in Niterói. This is one of the second works that was completed on the Niemeyer Road, sitting near the Popular Theater and the Oscar Niemeyer Foundation. The building resembles a sphere cut in half and was intended to house historical data and city information of Niterói and the state of Rio de Janeiro.
3. Oscar Niemeyer Foundation
Later, visit the nearby Roberto Silveira Memorial at the Oscar Niemeyer Foundation. Sitting above a pool of water is this incredible spiral building. This is another information and research center, built to reflect the spread of modern architecture, design, art, and urbanism.
4. Juscelino Kubitschek Square
Between the center and the Santo Domingo neighborhood, the JK square has a beautiful view of Niteroi and the shoreline of Rio de Janeiro. Here you will see the longest bridge in the southern hemisphere, Rio-Niterói bridge, connecting Rio de Janeiro and Niteroi. Admire the bronze sculptures of Niemeyer and Juscelino in the square.
5. MAC – The Contemporary Art Museum
Last, explore the Contemporary Art Museum. The most important building in Niterói is the Contemporary Art Museum. As you approach the museum, take in the fantastic panoramic view of Guanabara Bay. The MAC is impressive for its form and is as worthy of admiration as the artwork inside. The museum opened in 1996 and houses over 1,200 works from the collector John Sattamini, as well as nearly 400 pieces donated by other artists. On the second floor, the glass balcony opens to a breathtaking view of Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain.
What is included in this Oscar Niemeyer City Tour in Rio de Janeiro?
This tour includes transfers to and from your hotel in Rio de Janeiro, private tours, and admissions to see the highlights accompanied by an expert local guide with extensive knowledge of Oscar Niemeyer’s work in Brazil. With the convenience of pre-arranged transportation and the luxury of having an expert guide to answer any of your questions, this will be an unforgettable trip!
Craving more Niemeyer?
For even more exposure to the living art of Oscar Niemeyer, head to Belo Horizonte – Minas Gerais! With a population of 5 million, the city is a melting pot of traditional “mineras” food, art, and culture.
On this tour, you can visit Oscar Niemeyer’s beautifully crafted museums and buildings such as the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi. The design of these structures features Niemeyer’s passion for modern art.
Book Your Oscar Niemeyer Rio de Janeiro City Tour Today!
Are you ready to book your next vacation to Brazil? Has the amazing architecture of Oscar Niemeyer caught your attention? Call us today! Any of our expert travel consultants would be happy to help you customize your dream trip to South America.